Glenn Maxwell urged to improve as Test player by Geoff Marsh

After coach Lehmann, selector Geoff Marsh raises doubts over Maxwell's ability in tests.

Sept 10, 2014

Australia‘s big-hitting batsman Glenn Maxwell might have been a revelation playing for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014, but the Australian selection committee still have apprehensions about the player in the longest format of the game. Australian coach Darren Lehmann‘s comments earlier were a testament to the Australian camp’s skepticism regarding the Victoria entertainer.

Australian selector Geoff Marsh also urged Maxwell to be make a smooth transition  at Test level, he said, “He’s a bloke with immense ability, as we all know,” Marsh said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“He’s the X-factor and he’s got a very good record against spinners, both in the UAE and in England.

“But boy, you’d love him to realise his potential and play consistently well. Whether or not we’re ever going to get that from Glenn, who knows? Technically, I think he’s a very fine batsman. Technically, I don’t think he’s a fine bowler but he should be able to do that. He’s got that much ability.

“We just want to see him improve, we really do.

“We think the world of him as a talent, but sooner or later he’s got to produce consistently to be a regular member of any Australian side.”

Earlier coach Lehmann had made no bones about the fact that he wanted his player to fine-tune his skills.

“He understands he has got to be a better cricketer for us to get to where we want to get to,” Lehmann said at the time.

“We know he’s got flair and excitement and we love that about him, but we want him to understand the game better.”